Pigs in a Blanket are a classic crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game nights, or simply as a fun and tasty snack. This recipe takes the beloved combination of mini hotdogs wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and adds a touch of cheese and seasoning for an extra layer of flavor. Let’s dive into creating these bite-sized delights that are sure to disappear in no time!
Ingredients:
- 2 packages crescent roll dough (see notes)
- 1 package mini hotdogs (also known as lil smokies) (see notes)
- 2-3 slices cheese (cheddar, Pepper Jack, provolone, American, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines.
- Add Cheese: Cut the cheese slices into small strips and place a strip of cheese on each crescent roll triangle.
- Wrap the Hotdogs: Place a mini hotdog at the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Roll the dough around the hotdog, sealing the edges to encase it completely. Repeat with the remaining hotdogs and dough.
- Whisk Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the wrapped hotdogs with the egg wash using a pastry brush. This will give them a golden-brown finish when baked.
- Sprinkle with Seasoning: If desired, sprinkle the wrapped hotdogs with everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the prepared pigs in a blanket on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauces!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Dough Options: If crescent roll dough is unavailable, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough as a substitute.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while cheddar offers a classic flavor.
- Meat Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use cocktail sausages, Vienna sausages, or even vegetarian hotdogs as alternatives to mini hotdogs.
- Custom Dipping Sauces: Serve pigs in a blanket with an array of dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for added flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto: For a keto-friendly version, use fathead dough or almond flour dough as a substitute for crescent roll dough. Swap mini hotdogs for cocktail sausages or sausage links with no added sugars. Omit the egg wash or use a beaten egg with heavy cream instead of water. Skip the everything bagel seasoning or make a homemade keto-friendly version.
- Low-Carb: Similarly, for a low-carb version, use low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves as a wrap instead of crescent roll dough. Choose mini hotdogs with no added sugars or artificial fillers. Adjust the egg wash as needed and opt for a low-carb seasoning blend or simply use salt and pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make pigs in a blanket ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the pigs in a blanket ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I reheat leftover pigs in a blanket? A: Absolutely! Leftover pigs in a blanket can be reheated in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Q: Can I make pigs in a blanket without cheese? A: Yes, you can omit the cheese if desired, although it adds extra flavor and richness to the dish.
Q: What other seasonings can I use besides everything bagel seasoning? A: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for a variety of flavor profiles.
Q: Can I make pigs in a blanket gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use gluten-free crescent roll dough or another gluten-free dough alternative to make pigs in a blanket gluten-free.
Pigs in a Blanket are a timeless snack that never fails to delight. Whether served at parties, as a game day snack, or as a fun appetizer, these bite-sized treats are always a hit with both kids and adults alike. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch in no time and customize them to suit your taste preferences. Elevate your snack game with these irresistible pigs in a blanket and watch them disappear before your eyes!
